My name is Jerri Lewis (Jeannie). I was born with a condition called Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and unless I have a transplant, I will not survive.
My kidneys have started to shut down. I am now on dialysis 5 days a week. The life expectancy of a dialysis patient is 5 to 10 years. I have been offered a transplant through Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. There are out-of-pocket expenses that come with an organ transplant that my insurance will not cover. I am responsible for nearly $10K of these that are related to transplantation, housing and post transplant care. The hospital will not move forward until I can show that I’ve fundraised for the money needed. I will be required to stay in Seattle for 6 weeks after my transplant surgery which is a requirement to make sure that I don’t reject the organ and I can begin the healing process.
I am a very active 51 year old mother of 3, and grandmother of 2 beautiful boys. I enjoy spending time outdoors camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, etc… I live in Montana, one of the most beautiful states . However, in my current condition I’m not able to do as much as I would like. I am dying. That is why I am campaigning and fundraising and doing everything in my power to receive this transplant so that I can live a normal healthy life with my children and my grandchildren… Please help me continue my journey and help me write my story of life…
Updates (2)
October 3, 2025
This is October 3rd 2025 Ive still not had even one call for a organ and my health has started to decline I'm hoping that within the next three years God willing that I will still be here to get a kidney so the urgency of the utmost I have raised 68% of the money needed I just need to reach my final goal, that money is a requirement that I have so I'm hoping that through resharing my campaign I will reach the final goal and receive that last 28% so that we can start moving forward because my health is really declining I'm having a host of other medical problems now that I never had that are caused by dialysis and end stage kidney disease so any help that you can give even a share would be greatly appreciated by me and my family there is something to be said about someone that is actually fighting for their life to face your own mortality is a very very sobering and horrifying thing to think about I have God and my faith is in him I'm not afraid for my spirit but I am afraid of my body withering away and me going too soon so please help any way you can all help is appreciated God bless you. Iwont give up!!!
April 18, 2024
I am officially on the transplant list and have had to go to Seattle twice since raising the original 10,000 so unfortunately I will have to reopen the campaign and ask for more funds because what I have won't be enough. I send my blood in every month now hopefully looking for a donor every month ,they say within 6 years on the waitlist I'll get it. Also you get time for the time you've been on dialysis while waiting so I have that 3 years so we're counting down I got three years wait time so we'll see in the next 3 years thank you in advance for anybody that donates to anybody that has donated God bless you
Photo Galleries (3)
Guestbook
February 19, 2023
After seeing your story on the Sunday morning TV show, Positively Montana, we wanted to help! You are in our prayers as you go through this process. Best Wishes and God Bless.
Anonymous
February 7, 2023
I'm praying that all goes well for you.
Rhonda Loose
February 7, 2023
You are in my thoughts!
Nancy Pyron
